How does the wavelength of a laser marking machine affect the marking effect?

In the actual operation of laser marking machines, we will consider various factors that affect the marking effect, among which the role of laser wavelength cannot be underestimated. Today, laser marking machine manufacturer Haiwei Laser, combined with 20 years of experience in laser equipment, will talk to you about how the wavelength of the laser marking machine affects the marking effect.

The interaction between different wavelengths and materials

The common wavelengths of laser marking machines include 1064nm, 532nm, and 355nm. For metal materials, infrared lasers with a wavelength of 1064nm are commonly used. Because the metal has a relatively high absorption rate for this wavelength of laser, the laser energy can be effectively absorbed by the metal, thereby generating sufficient heat on the metal surface to achieve clear marking.

For example, when marking stainless steel products, a laser with a wavelength of 1064nm can make the marking depth moderate and the handwriting clear and firm. For some non-metallic materials such as plastics, ceramics, etc., short wavelength lasers may have better effects. For example, the 355nm wavelength ultraviolet laser has high photon energy and can directly break the chemical bonds of material molecules for "cold processing". This method of marking on plastic can avoid material deformation caused by overheating, and the marked edges are neat and accurate.

The influence of wavelength on marking accuracy

The shorter the wavelength, the smaller the focused spot of the laser, and the higher the marking accuracy. The focused spot of green laser with a wavelength of 532nm is smaller than that of infrared laser with a wavelength of 1064nm. When marking small parts with high precision requirements, green laser marking machines can demonstrate their advantages.

It can clearly print fine patterns or text on a very small area, meeting the high-precision marking needs of industries such as electronic components. Although the 1064nm wavelength laser has a relatively large spot, it can quickly complete the marking task in some scenarios where precision is not particularly high and a large marking area is required, such as marking the specifications of large metal pipes, with its high energy output.

Wavelength and Marking Speed

The wavelength also affects the marking speed. Generally speaking, the higher the absorption rate of the material towards the laser, the faster the marking speed can be. Taking metal marking as an example, laser with a wavelength of 1064nm is well absorbed by the metal, and the marking speed is relatively fast while ensuring the marking quality.

For some materials that have poor absorption at specific wavelengths, if an inappropriate wavelength is selected, even if the laser power is increased, the marking speed will be difficult to improve, which may also affect the marking effect. Therefore, selecting a laser marking machine with an appropriate wavelength based on material characteristics is crucial for improving production efficiency.

The wavelength of a laser marking machine affects the marking effect from multiple aspects. In practical applications, we need to consider the properties of the marked material, the requirements for marking accuracy and speed, and select a laser marking machine with the appropriate wavelength comprehensively. Only in this way can we achieve better marking effects and meet different production needs.